A home health nurse has a weekly visit to a client living in less than

A home health nurse has a weekly visit to a client living in less than desirable cleanliness. The client has a central venous access device and requires weekly infusion therapy. What is the best way for the nurse to protect the client against infection?

1. Have the client wash her hands before the infusion begins.
2. Practice strict aseptic technique during the infusion process.
3. Help the client clean the room before starting the infusion.
4. Suggest that the client have a housekeeper come on the morning of the infusion.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: This intervention will not directly impact the minimization of the risk for infection since the client is not performing the infusion.
Rationale 2: Infection control can present a challenge to the home health nurse, especially if the home care facilities are not conducive to basic aseptic requirements. The most important ways to prevent infection are making sure the site is clean, accessing the port following sterile procedure, and following Standard Precautions while accessing the line.
Rationale 3: Even if the client’s environment is not clean, that doesn’t necessarily mean the client is unclean.There is another option that will impact the risk of infection.
Rationale 4: Teaching about health practices that prevent infection is important, but the nurse cannot expect to change the client’s lifestyle.